Nancy Kochis Brings Forensic Science Alive for High School Seniors Nancy Kochis has taught science and biology at LaSalle‐Peru (LP) High School for the past 11 years, and from her earliest days at the 1,300‐student campus in LaSalle, Illinois she has voiced her desire to start a forensic science class. Three years ago, her wish came true when she began teaching a full‐year forensic science course to seniors who have successfully completed biology and chemistry. Since then, the program has grown from thirty students to more than sixty, and has received grants for a comparison microscope and spectrophotometry equipment. This is impressive when you consider that her class competes with a myriad of AP and other science classes, making it a difficult decision for students entering their senior year. "My ultimate teaching goal is to inspire my students to enjoy (love) science, especially forensic science, as much as I do,” said Kochis. Capturing the Imagination with Labs Kochis likes to use labs to teach her students. Some are from science kits and supplies that are readily available for purchase, and some are not from traditional kits. “One lab that the students enjoy is when I introduce the history of forensic science and Edmond Locard and his exchange principle,” said Kochis. “I hand out either a white T‐shirt or white pair of socks to each student, and tell them to wear their item for one whole day during the weekend. At the end of the day, they are to place their ‘evidence’ in the evidence bag and properly label it. When they bring the bags back to school on Monday, I have them carefully empty the contents on lab tables covered with white butcher paper donated from a local butcher,” said Kochis. “Students are then directed to search for evidence first with their eyes, then with a magnifying glass, and finally with the stereoscopic microscope. They are then instructed to lift the evidence in three ways, through scraping, forceps and tape lifting. They are always amazed,” concluded Kochis, “at the evidence they find that retraces their steps on the day they wore their item.” Another interesting activity that Kochis does with her students is on the topic of crime scene sketches. She tells them to think of a crime and to write a story about it for homework. The next day they are to draw a rough sketch of their crime and include all of the information that is required for the sketch. Then they make a final sketch to show the students how it is prepared for the courtroom. “Students enjoy looking at all of the sketches that are posted outside my classroom,” said Kochis. Kochis has also worked with the Illinois state police to create some minor crime scenes. “One named ‘The Computer Hacker,’” said Kochis, “involved students processing the scene for fingerprints found on a soda can that was not my brand, shoeprints that did not match mine, bite‐marks left on an apple on my computer table, and the imprints found on a notepad. Then the students processed four suspects made up of two administrators, the school’s computer tech, and a janitor to find the guilty person.” Educating the Educator Kochis holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Northern Illinois State University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of St. Francis, Ill. But, before she launched the forensic science course at LP High School, she decided to search for an online program where she could earn a master’s degree in forensic science. “I wanted to be better educated in the field to give me the confidence that I needed to teach the subject matter,” said Kochis. “In the state of Illinois you do not need a degree in forensic science to teach at the high school level. The only requirement is a background in biology or chemistry.” “It took me about a year of searching the internet to find the program at UF. Many of the other programs offered only a certificate or diploma, but I wanted the master’s degree,” said Kochis. “At first I was a little apprehensive about the online aspect of the program since my past coursework had always been in the traditional classroom setting, but I adjusted very quickly. The program has allowed me to continue to teach during the day, while doing the coursework, and meeting the professors’ deadlines at my own convenience.” “I am very fortunate that I was able to take part in the program at UF,” said Kochis. ‘It has given me the confidence I need to teach the subject. It has also sparked my desire in the forensic sciences. I am very grateful for my understanding and supportive husband and family for allowing me to fulfill my goals.”